Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I'm probably clutching at straws here, but does anyone know if it is possible to replace the ignition switch lock barrel without removing it from the dashboard in a Series 4 car? I can't find anything relating to this in the archive so I'm guessing not. Obviously it would be much easier with the whole assembly on the bench but the thought of pulling the dashboard out is "putting" me off As far as I can see the switch is bang up against the heater box so there's no room to pull it out without pulling the dash forward, which means removing the glove box, speedo cable, disconnecting the choke and heater cables... the list of pain is endless, as of course it always is with an Elan!

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Nigel F.

You should be able to ease the dash forward enough without disconnecting anything.

Lift the bottom edge of the heater box and push it forward to its correct position and clearance.

remove the terminals from the switch.

loosen dash screws and draw the dash rearward if you need extra clearance there is plenty of slack to move it an inch..

It isn't anywhere near as hard as you have convinced yourself that it is - only a few screws.


The hardest part is that the new switch/barrel are not interchangeable so if you want your old barrel in a new switch you have to do a bit of modifying. The reverse applies but I can't work out why you would keep the old switch?

If I recall right I have removed the switch without moving the dash at all. I think I disconnected the wires and could pull it back far enough to get it out, maybe I needed bend the terminals a little. At the most I needed to pull off the bottom 2 dash screws and loosen the top ones so I could pull the dash forward a little without disconnecting anything I know it was relatively quick and easy but clearance was tight with heater.

cheers
Rohan

Wow, thanks for the rapid response. I did wonder if I could pull the dash forward enough - I was worried about disturbing things and broken switch terminals etc. I agree there's no sense in changing the barrel given how cheap a complete switch is, so that's the way I'll go. Just I had a couple of barrels in my stock of old bits, probably from MGBs or Triumphs so as usual was trying to be mean. Thank you both for taking the trouble to write a detailed reply and solve my problem.

Nigel F.

The Barrel is held in the Switch by a small Spring Loaded Brass Pin, if you screw a wood screw into the Key Slot you can yank the Barrel out without disturbing wither the Wiring, the Switch or the Dashboard, I know this is possible because I did it last week. Then "providing" you have a replacement Barrel & Key this pushes straight in, as I say I just did this and was lucky enough to have a New Barrel & Key in my Garage from a past rebuild so I know 100% it is possible

Thanks again, I will definitely give that a try. I've just dismantled a spare switch on the bench so its definitely worth a try.